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Society8. April 2020

How Corona Lockdown May Change Our Cities Forever – the Good Way!

Urban experts are predicting that clearing the streets from traffic for residents to walk on during the coronavirus lockdowns could lead to a potential massive demand to make cities more walkable in the long-term.

With major restrictions aimed at encouraging social distancing in cities worldwide, streets in areas from Toronto to New York to Philadelphia have been closing down some streets to allow people to walk around more safely and maintain a two-meter distance from one another.

“Making cities more accessible to pedestrians now is necessary because people want to feel connected, get some exercise, and feel a little better about a very challenging situation,” says Tony Matthews, urban and environmental planning lecturer at Australia’s Griffith University. “Many people may not want to give their streets back to heavy traffic volumes after this, so there will be a lot more advocacy for urban walkability.”

The pandemic has raised awareness of the importance of safe and healthy urban environments not only among residents, but also authorities, explains public space specialist David Sagita, adding that the effects of the lockdown “will change urban planning as we know it”.

Source:
Thomson Reuters Foundation

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